Erie Criminal Defense Lawyers
When working with Sebald, Hackwelder & Knox, you always come first. Our practice and experience makes us aggressive criminal defense and DUI lawyers, but we also practice in other areas including family law, elder law, real estate law and personal injury law in Erie, PA and Meadville, PA. Our defense lawyers bring extensive jury trial experience to our practice. Whether you’re facing felony charges in Erie County, dealing with a work injury case in Crawford County or need help with real estate transactions in Warren County, we are here for you.
Best Criminal Lawyers In Erie, PA
If you have been charged with a crime, don’t settle for a court-appointed attorney. You deserve aggressive representation from a trusted criminal defense attorney in Erie County. You can minimize or remove your criminal charges by working with a knowledgeable and experienced criminal attorney at Sebald, Hackwelder & Knox.
Why Choose Us As Your Criminal Defense Attorneys?

At Sebald, Hackwelder & Knox, we understand this point of your life can be tense, confusing, and frustrating. The best thing you can do after an arrest is immediately set up a free case consultation with our criminal defense attorneys. We have extensive experience in defending clients in court who have been charged with a crime in Erie, PA. When working with us, you can rest assured knowing that your criminal case is in good hands – no matter what criminal offense charges you are facing.
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Client Reviews
EXCELLENT Based on 163 reviews S. D.2025-03-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I contacted John Knox to find out my options to resolve a property issue and find out my options. The outcome for me was very favorable and did not result in going to court. Not only is John very knowledgeable about property law, he was also accessible and always returned my text and emails the same day, or more often within an hour or two of being sent. This was a stressful time for me but John reassured me I had a strong case and PA property law was on my side. I was very pleased with this firm and feel lucky that John Knox was my lawyer. If it's property related, I would not contact anyone other than this Law firm. William Foley2025-03-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I unfortunately had to reach out to Sebald, Hackwelder, & Knox recently for a case that turned into from a mental health check for my ex-SO. I had/have no criminal history and Mr. Sebald walked me through the play by play and was able to get it completely dropped. Jennifer Raucci2025-03-10Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 10/10 mr.sebald went above and beyond for me. Very grateful for his time and service will highly recommend to anybody. Thank you soooo much !! Trent Walsh2025-02-25Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Justin smith, amazing attorney. 10/10 would recommend. Nga Rastatter2025-02-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John Knox was extremely professional, and knowledgeable, and always went the extra mile to support me in my case. This lawyer solved my legal problem quickly and efficiently. I could not have hoped for a better result. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking legal assistance in Pennsylvania! Todd Bartoszkiewicz2025-01-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Attorney Justin Smith saved us from having our son having to leave college to go to Erie to deal with a legal matter and greatly reduced the charges. He did a fantastic job and it's greatly appreciated. Brennan Wetherbee2024-12-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Attorney Justin Smith represented me in 3 different legal matters over the course of 3 months—each one with likely (and, in one case, mandatory) jail time. He has done what I thought was the impossible and avoided me serving any time of incarceration. He adjusted his schedule to attend a hearing of mine with less than 24 hours notice. He is extremely intelligent and personable. I was able to call or text him at any time of the day, and he always promptly responded. He was always early for court, as well as very prepared for whatever proceeding was taking place that day. I feel forever indebted to Justin for what he has done for me and my family. I would strongly recommend his services to anybody—and I plan to do so. Stacy Best2024-12-10Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Justin Smith was the attorney we had and he did an awesome job! Very professional, great communication and affordable! He got the outcome we wanted with no hassle on us! I would 100% recommend him to anyone who needs a criminal defense attorney!